Progressive Compression Attachment for Shoes

ABSTRACT

A cushioning attachment for shoes including athletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes includes two component features: a cushioning feature, and a resilient/traction feature. In addition, the cushioning attachment can include a securing feature for securing the device to the outsole of the shoe of a wearer In the cushioning attachments, the cushioning feature is typically a first layer of the attachment while the resilient/traction feature is typically a second layer of the attachment. 
     In one aspect, a cushioning attachment has a shape suitable for attaching to the outsole of a shoe and comprises:
     a. a first upper layer comprising a cushioning material;   b. a second lower layer comprising a resilient material;   c. a securing means for permanently or removably attaching the cushioning attachment to a shoe.   

     In another aspect, a cushioning attachment for a shoe comprises:
     a. a first upper layer comprising an anti-fatigue material;   b. a second lower layer comprising a wear resistant material;   c. a securing means for attaching the attachment to an outsole of a shoe.   

     In yet another aspect, an attachment to be worn on the sole of a shoe and which is capable of providing for an increase in the progressive compression of the shoe when worn, comprises
     a. a first layer comprising a progressive compression providing material;   b. a second layer which is in contact with the ground when a shoe having the attachment attached thereto is worn by a person; and   c. securing means for attaching the attachment to an outsole of a shoe such that the attachment will not detach from the shoe when a person wearing the shoe with the attachment is jogging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from provisional U.S.Application Ser. No. 60/855,714 entitled “A Progressive CompressionAttachment for Shoes” by Steven E. Rosen, filed Oct. 30, 2006, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In 2004, nearly 500 million pairs of athletic shoes were sold in theU.S. In addition, there have been a number of studies looking at theimpact of shoes on injuries in runners. See, for example:

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2005/0105/asplund.htm

http://www.cbssportsstore.com/sm-running-shoe-buyers-guide--bg-222919.html

The present invention relates to shoes and, in particular, to cushioningattachments for shoes, such as athletic shoes and running shoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among other aspects, the invention relates to cushioning attachments forshoes including athletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes.

The cushioning attachments of this invention include two componentfeatures: a cushioning feature, and a resilient/traction feature. Inaddition, the cushioning attachment can include a securing feature forsecuring the device to the outsole of the shoe of a wearer.

In the cushioning attachments of this invention, the cushioning featureis typically a first layer of the attachment while theresilient/traction feature is typically a second layer of the attachment

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cushioning attachmenthaving a shape suitable for attaching to the outsole of a shoe, wherethe attachment comprises:

a. a first upper layer comprising a cushioning material;

b. a second lower layer comprising a resilient material;

c. a securing means for permanently or removably attaching thecushioning attachment to a shoe.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a cushioning attachmenthaving a shape suitable for attaching to the outsole of a shoecomprising:

a. a first upper layer comprising a cushioning polymeric material;

b. a second lower layer comprising a resilient material;

c. a securing means for attaching the attachment to a shoe.

In still another embodiment, the invention relates to a cushioningsystem for an athletic shoe comprising:

a. a first upper layer comprising a cellular rubber material;

b. a second lower layer comprising a solid rubber material;

c. a securing means for attaching the cushion system to an athleticshoe.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a cushioning attachmentfor a shoe comprising:

a. a first upper layer comprising an anti-fatigue material;

b. a second lower layer comprising a wear resistant material;

c. a securing means for attaching the attachment to an outsole of ashoe.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to an attachment to beworn on the sole of a shoe and which is capable of providing for anincrease in the progressive compression of the shoe when worn, whichattachment comprises

a. a first layer comprising a progressive compression providingmaterial;

b. a second layer which is in contact with the ground when a shoe havingthe attachment attached thereto is worn by a person; and

c. securing means for attaching the attachment to an outsole of a shoesuch that the attachment will not detach from the shoe when a personwearing the shoe with the attachment is jogging.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the combination of acushioning attachment and a shoe to which it is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-c illustrate one embodiment of an attachment device accordingto the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention as attached to arunning shoe;

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the invention where the second layerof the device comprises more than one piece;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate alternative securing means for the device;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate embodiments of an anti-sliding featuresuitable for use with the device; and

FIGS. 6 a-c illustrate another suitable securing means for the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. The Cushioning Feature

One feature of the cushioning attachments of this invention is acushioning feature which is typically a first layer of the device. Thefirst layer comprises a material capable of providing a cushioningeffect for the foot of a wearer when the attachment is attached to thebottom of the shoe.

Two primary considerations in connection with the first layer are (i)the material of construction and (ii) the thickness of the first layer.

A first consideration for the first layer is the material ofconstruction:

In an example of a suitable material, the first layer can comprise acushioning polymeric material. By “cushioning polymeric material” it ismeant a material comprising at least one polymer, which polymer is inits viscoelastic, or rubbery, state between the temperatures of 10 F and120 F, preferably at ambient temperature.

The cushioning polymeric material can comprises copolymers such as blockcopolymers and random copolymers, modified polymers or even blends oftwo or more polymers.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cushioning polymericmaterial includes those polymers which have been blown into aclosed-cell cellular material.

Specific examples of suitable cushioning polymeric materials include oneor more of foamed ethylene vinyl acetate, foamed polyurethane, foamedpolyvinlychloride-polyacrylonitrile copolymer or foamed elastomericpolypropylene. One example of a suitable commercially available materialis sold under the trademark of Duralon®.

The invention also includes the use of first layers which comprisecellular materials. The cellular material can be either an open-cellcellular material or a closed cell cellular materials, in manyinstances, closed cell materials can be preferred.

The cellular material can be any cellular material recognized in theart, with cellular foam materials being a specific example of a suitablecellular material.

Specific examples of suitable cellular material include polyethylenes,polyvinyl chlorides, polychloroprenes, nitrites, nitrile-butadienes,urethanes, latex materials, and mixtures thereof.

Other examples of suitable cellular materials include polyethylene-vinylacetate materials, polyvinyl chloride-nitrile materials, vinyl-nitrilematerials, and nitrile-butadiene materials

In addition, the cellular material can comprise a rubber material.Suitable rubbers can include both natural and man-made rubbers. Specificexamples of suitable rubber include, but are not limited to neoprenerubbers, nitrile rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers,and ethylene propylene-diene rubbers.

In certain embodiments of the invention, suitable materials for use inconnection with the first layer include those materials having anelastic modulus (compressibility), which is measured in megapascals(MPa) that is not greater than 1 MPa. In other embodiments, the firstlayer comprises materials having an elastic modulus not greater than 0.9MPa, or even no greater than 0.8 MPa.

In addition, the first layer can comprise materials having an elasticmodulus not less than 0.6 MPa, and even, not less than 0.5 MPa or, evenstill not less than 0.4 MPa.

The invention also envisions the use of first layers which comprisematerials having a compression deflection of not greater than 0.7according to ASTM D575. Moreover, in certain embodiments of theinvention, the use of materials having a compression deflection of notgreater than 0.5 according to ASTM D575 can be employed.

In addition, the first layer can employ those materials having acompression deflection of not less than 0.2 according to ASTM D575.Moreover, the use of materials having a compression deflection of notless than 0.1 according to ASTM D575 can be employed.

The compression deflection of suitable materials employed in the firstlayer can also be characterized according to ASTM D1056. In this regard,the use of cellular materials having a compression deflection of notgreater than 30 psi according to ASTM D1056 can be employed. In otherembodiments, the use of cellular materials having a compressiondeflection of not greater than 20 psi according to ASTM D1056 can beemployed. In still other embodiments, the use of materials having acompression deflection of not greater than 17 psi according to ASTMD1056 can be employed.

The invention also includes embodiments wherein the material for thefirst layer has a compression deflection of not less than 9 psiaccording to ASTM D1056. In addition, the attachment of the inventionincludes embodiments where the material for the first layer has acompression deflection of not less than 6 psi according to ASTM D1056.Still other embodiments employ materials having a compression deflectionof not less than 4 psi according to ASTM D1056.

In addition, additives such as internal lubricants (or plasticizers) andmineral fillers can be introduced into the polymer in order to modify orimprove one or more property of the polymer. Specific examples ofsuitable additives include carbon and silica fillers.

Additional suitable materials for use in connection with the first layerinclude those materials previously employed in an “anti-fatigue”environment, e.g., anti-fatigue pads, mats, runners and the like. Inthis regard, anti-fatigue mats are designed to make workers morecomfortable when they must stand on their feet for many consecutivehours. Anti-fatigue mats offer more cushioning not only for comfort butalso to improve circulation and absorb shock, helping to reduce muscletension, aches, and general fatigue.

Suitable materials include those rubber materials-both natural andman-made-materials employed in connection with anti-fatigue mats and thelike. Examples of such materials include natural rubbers, nitrilerubbers and modified nitrile rubbers which are recognized in the art.Specific examples of suitable anti-fatigue materials are sold under theNitricell® trade name from the Wearwell Company.

As can be seen, the first layer can comprise a variety of cushioningmaterials. In fact, the first layer can comprise any material capable ofproviding the desired progressive compression function when theattachment device is attached to a shoe and worn by a user.

The term “progressive compression” in the context of this inventionrelates to those materials capable of providing the desired cushioningeffect for the wearer by compression of the first layer progressivelyover the course of a step, e.g., a running step, i.e., the planting ofthe foot in stride, the rolling of the foot as the opposite foot swingsforward and the lifting of the foot at the completion of the runningstep.

However, it is also preferred that the desired cushioning material isnot overly soft as overly soft materials can (i) cause instability,increasing the risk of loss-of-balance as well as adverse effects onoverall body posture during use and/or (ii) negate all or part of theprogressive compression effect by collapsing too quickly thustransferring force more rapidly to the joints of the wearer.

One specific example of a suitable material for use in the first layeris Ensolite® available from Armacell LLC. Ensolite is a PVC/NPR polymerhaving the following characteristics:

25% Compression Resistance (psi), ASTM D-1056, 5.0 to 8.0

50% Compression Set (%), ASTM D-1056, 25 max.

Density (lb/ft. 3), ASTM D-1056, 6.5 to 8.5

Water Absorption (lb/ft 2), ASTM D-1667, 0.1 max.

Tensile (psi), ASTM D-412, 80 min.

Elongation (% ), ASTM D-412, 100 min.

C-Tear Strength (lbs/in.) ASTM D-624 Die C 10 min.

Temperature Use: ASTM D-1056 Cold Crack—20 C and High 200 C

A second consideration in connection with the first layer is thethickness of the layer:

The thickness of the first layer is capable of affecting the cushioningability of the attachment. As such, the preferred thickness can bedependent upon a number of factors including the material ofconstruction for the first layer, the type of shoe to which the deviceis to be attached, the desired function of the shoe for the wearer, theshape, height and weight of the wearer of the shoe/attachmentcombination and even the environment and weather conditions that thewearer is likely to face.

For example, a 300 lb man may prefer the use of an attachment with athicker first layer than a 100 lb woman. Similarly, a runner who isrunning on harder surfaces may prefer a different thickness than one whois running on relatively softer surfaces.

While the exact thickness is not critical, the invention includes avariety of embodiment including, but not limited to, those embodimentswhere the first layer has a thickness which is not greater than about 2inches, as well as those embodiments where the first layer has athickness which is not greater than about 1.5 inches. In addition, theinvention includes embodiments where the first layer has a thicknesswhich is not greater than about 1 inch.

The attachment according to the invention also includes embodimentswhere the first layer has a thickness which is not less than about 0.25inches as well as embodiments where the first layer has a thicknesswhich is not less than about 0.15 inches and even those embodimentswhere the first layer as a thickness which is not less than about 0.1inches.

Optimization of the thickness for any particular material ofconstruction would be within the purview of those skilled in the art.For example, in optimizing the thickness of the first layer, one shouldalso consider the concept of bottoming out, i.e. the bottoming out pointfor the material in question, and the “densification strain” (bottomingout point as a percentage of thickness). The invention envisions the useof densification strains greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greaterthan 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, and even greater than 70%or 80%.

Moreover, the first layer can have a thickness which is substantiallythe same throughout its entire length, or, in the alternative, thethickness of the first layer can vary at one or more places over thelength of the layer.

In one embodiment, it is envisioned that the thickness of the firstlayer is tapered at both the front, i.e., the toe end of the device, andthe rear, i.e., the heel end of the device. For example, it has beenfound that tapering the first layer for the first one to two inches fromthe front of the device and final one to two inches from the rear of thedevice.

The first layer typically has a shape generally corresponding to theshape of the sole of the shoe to which the attachment is being attached.While the attachment finds particular utility in connection withathletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes, the attachmentaccording to the invention can be employed with any shoe where thewearer seeks greater cushioning when the shoe is worn.

In addition, the first layer has a shape which is substantially flat orit can be curved up at one or more of the edges thereof.

The first layer can be a single unitary piece of material or it caninclude multiple pieces of material that are attached together toprovide the desired shape. In this regard, the two or more pieces can beattached either permanently by, e.g., an adhesive material, orremovably, e.g., Velcro attachment means. The use of multiple pieceswith removable attachment means would allow for parts of the first layersubject to higher wear and tear to be replaced without replacing theentire layer or entire attachment.

In addition to the cushioning material, the first layer can furtherinclude other features.

For example, the first layer can include one or more reinforcement meansattached to one or both sides of the cushioning material. In certainembodiments, the use of a reinforcement layer is capable of increasingthe useful life for the first layer. Specifically, the use of areinforcement layer may decrease the wear and tear on the first layerand thus, allow for an increase in useful life for the attachment.

In this aspect of the invention, the first layer can include areinforcement layer on either or both of the top and bottom thereof.Moreover, the reinforcement layer can comprise one or more layers ofmaterial, however, in most situations, a single layer is adequate.

The reinforcement layer can comprise any material that can beeffectively attached to the cushioning material and capable of improvingthe durability of the cushioning material. For example, the use of areinforcement layer can improve the tensile or tear resistance of thefirst layer. Specific examples of suitable materials include fabricmaterials such as nylon, Dacron, polyester, cotton, or mixtures thereof.

The reinforcement layers can be attached to the cellular material by wayof any technique recognized in the art of Suitable techniques includethe use of adhesive materials such as polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, andcyanoacrylate adhesives that are recognized in the art.

B. The Resilient/Traction Feature

Another feature of the cushioning attachment device is aresilient/traction feature that is typically a second layer of thedevice.

Functions of the second layer are dependent on the shoe to which theattachment is to be attached and the desired purpose of that shoe. Inthis regard, the function can include one or more of (i) providing for amore resilient surface, e.g., sole, in contact with the ground, ascompared to the first layer, when the cushioning attachment device isattached to a shoe and worn by a user, (ii) improving the resiliency ofthe device by protecting the first layer from the wear and tearassociated with wearing of the attachment device, and (iii) improvingthe traction for a shoe when the device is attached to the shoe.

The material of construction for the second layer is not critical andcan include any material capable of providing the desired resiliencyand/or traction effects.

Examples of suitable materials include rubbers and in particular solidrubbers such as high carbon rubbers, and cross-linked rubbers. Inaddition, the second layer can include fillers or other additives whichcan increase the resilience of the second layer. For example, whererubbers are employed, suitable additives include carbon and silicafillers.

In addition, suitable materials include both new and recycled materials.For example, one class of suitable materials is recycled rubbermaterials including but, not limited to, recycled automotive tires.

The overall shape of the second layer is similar to, but not necessarilyidentical to the shape of the first layer. As discussed above, theprimary function of the second layer is to provide a more resilientsurface for the attachment device, as such, any shape which is capableof providing the desired function can be employed.

In this regard, the second layer can comprise a single unitary piece ofmaterial or, in the alternative, two or more pieces of material whichform the desired shape of the attachment. Specifically, the second layercan comprise two, three, four or even more pieces of material.

Where two or more pieces are employed, it can be desirable that theindividual pieces having shapes which allow them to be interconnected toform the desired shape of the attachment. Such an arrangement allows forportions of the second layer which are subjected to increased wear to bereplaced without replacing the entirety of the second layer. In oneexample of this feature, one of the pieces of the second layercorresponds to the heel portion of the attachment device.

The thickness of the second layer is not critical to the invention aslong as it does not adversely impact the resilience function of thesecond layer or the cushioning function of the first layer.

The attachment device of the present invention envisions the use of asecond layer having a thickness not greater than about 0.5 inches, evennot greater than about 0.25 inches and still even not greater than about0.1 inches.

In this regard, the entire thickness of the second layer can be providedby a single layer of material or by a laminate-like arrangement of twoor more layers of material.

While, as was the case with the first layer, the thickness of the secondlayer can vary over the length of the device, in most embodiments it isdesirable that the second layer have substantially the same thicknessthroughout the entire length of the layer.

The second layer can be attached to the first layer by any techniquerecognized in the art as being effective in attaching the materials inquestion together. More specifically, the two layers can be attached byeither removable attachment means such as Velcro or more permanentattachment techniques such as adhesives. Suitable adhesives includepolyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, and cyanoacrylate adhesives that arerecognized in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of the first layer ismodified so as to minimize, or even eliminate, contact between the edgesof the second layer and the ground. For example, the first layer isdesigned so that when the attachment is attached to a shoe that issubjected to a complete running step, i.e., the planting of the foot instride, the rolling of the foot as the opposite foot swings forward andthe lifting of the foot at the completion of the running step, the toeedge of the second layer does not touch the ground. Because the leadingedges of the second layer are not in contact with the ground, wear onthe layer can be reduced and the usage life of the layer prior toreplacement can be increased.

For example, the first layer can include an, at least substantially,linear portion between a front portion and a rear portion which are bothcurved. That is, the first layer comprised a curved front, e.g., toe,portion, a middle linear portion, and a curved, e.g., heel, portion.

In one example of this embodiment, the front portion is curved for anamount not less than 0.5 inch, for example, about 1 inch, or about 1.5inches or about 2 inches. In addition, the rear portion is curved for anamount not less than 0.25 inches, for example, about 0.5, about 0.75 orabout 1 inch.

In another example of the embodiment, the curved portion of the frontand rear ends of the attachment do not touch the ground during runningexcept of a portion not greater than 1 inch above the linear portion ofthe first layer.

In addition, the bottom surface of the second layer, i.e., the surfacethat is not attached to the first layer, can have a pattern thereon, inorder to enhance traction.

It is well known in the art of shoe design, that how well a shoe needsto grip depends on purpose of the shoe. For example, a shoe suitable foruse in a cross country event run on a rainy day may be different thanthat needed on a hard compacted surface. Similarly, a basketball playermay need an outsole that will grip well when running, but not when theyare pivoting.

The traction properties of a shoe, really a measure of the frictionbetween the bottom of the shoe and the playing/running/walking surface,are directly related to the materials used in the construction as wellas the pattern on the bottom of the second layer.

Suitable patterns include those currently being employed in the art inconnection with existing outsoles.

C. Securing of the Device to a Shoe

Another aspect of this invention relates to the ability to securing thecushioning feature and the resilient/traction feature to a desired shoe.

The precise securing means is not critical to the invention as long asit is effective in securing the device to the desired shoe. In thisregard, suitable securing means include both techniques for permanentlyattaching the device to the outsole of a shoe and techniques forremovably attaching the device to a shoe so that the device is securedto the outsole of the shoe.

Specific examples of permanent attachment means include adhesives suchas polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, and cyanoacrylate adhesives that arerecognized in the art. The adhesive can be used to attach the device tothe outsole of a desired shoe.

In addition, permanent attachment means can include mechanical meanssuitable for attaching the device to the desired shoes. Such mechanicalmeans can include screws, e.g., nylon or metal screws, or straps, todirectly attach the device to the outsole of a desired shoe.

Examples of suitable means for removably attaching the device to a shoeinclude, but are not limited to, Velcro attachment means, looptensioning means, buckles, straps, laces and the like.

For example, the removable attachment means suitable for use with thecushioning attachment device can include one or more straps for securingthe device to the shoe of a wearer. One specific example of such anarrangement includes two straps, a first strap to attaching thecushioning attachment to the toe end of a shoe and a second strap forattaching the attachment to the heel section of a shoe. The straps canbe attached by any means recognized in the art such as, e.g., Velcro orbuckles or the like.

In another embodiment, the securing means comprises one or more fabricstraps or laces that are attached to the device and which fabric strapsor laces can be attached to an ankle of a wearer. The portion of thesecuring means, which is attached to the device, can comprise, forexample, a strap that is attached to the device. The strap, and inparticular, a strap near the rear of the device, that is directlyattached to the device can extend generally vertically from, or at anangle relative to, the first and second layers of the device. The exactangle is not critical to the invention, however it is preferred that thestraps extend in the general direction of the rear of the shoe.

In addition to the foregoing, the securing means can include a frameworkhaving a shape with a toe section and a heel section, where the toesection and the heel section provide a means for attaching theattachment onto the shoe. This embodiment can further include undercutsalong a vertical rise in the heel section on the inside of the heelsection. This embodiment also includes suitable means such as straps forconnecting the device to a shoe. For example, a plurality of Velcrostraps can be employed to attach the framework to a shoe.

D. The Shoe and Additional Optional Features

Another aspect of the invention relates to the combination of thecushioning attachment and a shoe.

As discussed above, the cushioning attachment means can be designed tobe attached to any shoe where the wearer desires to have a desiredcushioning effect. Suitable shoes include any and all types of athleticshoes. Since the cushioning effect can be particularly useful in walkingand jogging environment, running shoes are particularly suitable for usewith the cushioning system of the invention.

In addition to the foregoing three features, the cushioning device ofthe present invention can include additional optional features.

For example, the device can include an anti-sliding feature that iscapable of decreasing lateral sliding of a shoe when the attachment isattached to a shoe and worn by a person. In this regard, the feature canbe placed to prevent either inward or outward sliding of a shoedepending on the needs of the user.

In this regard, it has been found that, particularly under certainweather conditions, the outsole of the shoe may undesirably slide alongthe surface of the first layer. The anti-slide feature seeks to minimizeand/or eliminate this sliding action.

One example of a suitable feature comprises a wedge shaped materialattached to an outside edge of the first layer of the attachment when anattachment is attached to a shoe and worn by a person. The shape of thewedge is selected so as to allow it to prevent sliding of the shoe whenthe attachment is secured thereto. For example, one preferred shapewould direct the outward sliding force of the shoe, downwards towardsthe first layer. An example of the placement of such a shape to preventoutward sliding is illustrated by FIGS. 5 a and 5 b. Of course, thedevice could alternatively be placed on the other side to prevent inwardsliding of a shoe.

One example of a suitable anti-slide feature comprises a wedge shapedmaterial attached to an outside edge of the first layer of theattachment when an attachment is attached to a shoe and worn by aperson. The material of construction of wedge shaped material is notcritical; however, for sake of cost efficiency and convenience, it cancomprise the same material of construction as the first layer. However,it is within the scope of the invention to employ a material ofconstruction for the wedge which differs from that of the first layer.Suitable materials of construction can include plastic, wood or metals,depending on factors such as cost and durability.

The anti-sliding feature can be removably attached to the cushioningattachment by any suitable means, e.g., a Velcro strap. The shape of thestrap can be selected to more effectively secure the anti-sliding deviceto the assembly. For example, the Velcro strap can have any suitableshape, e.g., substantially L-shaped, so as to attach to both the firstlayer and the securing means. In another example of this feature, theVelcro strap can be C-shaped where the lower portion of the strapextends across a significant portion, greater than 50%, 60% or even 75%of the first layer to which it is attached.

In addition, the anti-sliding feature can be attached to the strap bysuitable means, such as adhesive to more effective hold it in place whenthe attachment device is attached to a shoe and worn by a user.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the attachment device 1 can be attached to shoe 2 as seen inFIG. 2.

The attachment device 1 includes first upper layer 10, second lowerlayer 20 and securing means 30. The securing means includes a Velcrosecuring means 31. The use of a generally vertical strap as relating tothe direction of the portion of the strap that attaches to the first andsecond layers, relative to the first and second layers is shown in FIGS.1 b and c. One example of an alternative arrangement where the portionof the strap attached to the first and second layer is attached at anangle 32 relative to the first and second layers can be seen in FIGS. 1d-e where FIG. 1 e is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1 d at a crosssection between the first and second layers.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 C, the first upper layer 10 can includereinforcement layer 11.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second layer 20 which comprises two pieces 21 and22.

FIGS. 4 a and b illustrate two examples of suitable mechanicalattachment means 30′ and 30″ for attaching the device to a shoe 2.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate two examples for an anti-sliding wedgedevice arrangement for use in connection with the attachment. The twoexamples both illustrate a wedge 41 and a securing means 42 for thewedge. As discussed previously, the wedge can be secured to theattachment via suitable means such as Velcro, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a-b.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c illustrate examples of another strap attachment devicesuitable for use with a shoe. In each of the illustrated embodiments,the strap 60 is attached by mean of Velcro 62, 63, 64. The strap cancomprise, for example, a nylon web.

In FIG. 6 a, a portion of the strap 60 is “pinched” at one side of thelateral strap 61. In this example, the other side of the strap does notinclude the “pinch.” Velcro areas 62 can either be hook or loop Velcroas long as the attachment can be secured to the shoe.

FIGS. 6 b and 6 c both illustrate a strap 60 with hook Velcro 63 andloop Velcro 64 with the primary difference between the examples shown inthe figures being the Velcro type and placement as shown in the figures.

1. An attachment to be worn on the sole of an athletic shoe and which iscapable of providing for an increase in the progressive compression ofthe shoe when worn, which attachment comprises a. a first layercomprising a progressive compression providing material; b. a secondlayer which is in contact with the ground when a shoe having theattachment attached thereto is worn by a person; and c. securing meansfor attaching the attachment to a shoe such that the attachment will notdetach from the shoe when a person wearing the shoe with the attachmentis walking, running or jogging.
 2. The attachment according to claim 1wherein the progressive compression material is a closed cell cellularmaterial.
 3. The attachment according to claim 1 wherein the first layerfurther includes at least one reinforcement layer attached to each sideof the progressive compression material.
 4. The attachment according toclaim 1 wherein the reinforcement layers comprise nylon fabric.
 5. Theattachment according to claim 1 wherein the first layer is curved up onat least one end thereof.
 6. The attachment according to claim 1 whereinthe second layer comprises a solid rubber material.
 7. The attachmentaccording to claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises a Velcroattachment means.
 8. The attachment according to claim 1 wherein thesecuring means comprises a framework having a shape with a toe sectionand a heel section, where the toe section and the heel section provide ameans for attaching the attachment onto the shoe.
 9. The attachmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the securing means further comprises atleast one strap for attaching the attachment to a foot.
 10. Theattachment according to claim 1 further comprising an anti-slidingdevice which is capable of decreasing outward lateral sliding of a shoewhen the attachment is attached to a shoe and worn by a person.
 11. Theattachment according to claim 11 wherein the anti-sliding devicecomprises a piece of material attached to an outside edge of the firstlayer of the attachment when an attachment is attached to a shoe andworn by a person.
 12. An cushioning attachment having a shape suitablefor attaching to the sole of a athletic shoe comprising: a. a firstupper layer comprising a cushioning material; b. a second lower layercomprising a resilient material; c. a securing means suitable forattaching the cushioning attachment to a shoe, wherein the first layer:(i) is attached to the second layer by a Velcro attachment means; (ii)has a thickness which is not greater than about 2 inches. (iii) includesa reinforcement layer comprising at least one fabric layer on the topand bottom thereof, and (iv) is curved up on both ends thereof, andfurther wherein the cushioning material comprises a closed cell materialhas a compression deflection of not greater than 0.7 according to ASTMD575 or not greater than 30 psi according to ASTM D105.
 13. Ananti-fatigue attachment for a shoe comprising: a. a first upper layercomprising an anti-fatigue material; b. a second lower layer comprisinga wear resistant material; c. a securing means for attaching theattachment to a sole of a shoe.
 14. The attachment according to claim 13wherein the first upper layer comprises a Nitricell® material.
 15. Theattachment according to claim 13 wherein the second lower layercomprises a high-carbon rubber.
 16. The attachment according to claim 13wherein the securing means allows the attachment to be removablyattached to a shoe.
 17. An cushioning system for a shoe comprising: a. afirst upper layer comprising a cushioning material; b. a second lowerlayer comprising a resilient material; wherein the cushioning system iscapable of being attached to a shoe.
 18. The cushioning system accordingto claim 17 wherein the first upper layer comprises a closed cellcellular material
 19. The cushioning system according to claim 17,wherein the first upper layer comprises cellular rubber
 20. Thecushioning system according to claim 17 wherein the first upper layercomprises a polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polychloroprene, anitrile, a nitrile-butadiene a urethane, a latex, a polyethylene-vinylacetate material, a polyvinyl chloride-nitrile material, a vinyl-nitrilematerial, a nitrile-butadiene material, Duralon® or mixtures thereof 21.The cushioning system according to claim 17 wherein the cushioningmaterial comprises at least one polymer, which is in its viscoelasticstate between the temperatures of 10 F and 120 F, and which has beenblown into a closed-cell cellular material.
 22. The cushioning systemaccording to claim 17 wherein the first layer further comprises at leastone reinforcement layer attached to one or both sides of the cushioningmaterial.
 23. The cushioning system according to claim 22 wherein eachreinforcement layer comprises at least one fabric layer.
 24. Thecushioning system according to claim 17 wherein the second layercomprises a high carbon rubber.
 25. The cushioning system according toclaim 17 wherein the second layer comprises two or more pieces ofmaterial that together form the desired shape of the second layer.